In search of the Connections solution for Friday, January 31, 2025? Continue reading for clues, insightful tips, strategies, and comprehensive answers across all four categories. This post will also clarify the meanings of some of the more challenging words and demonstrate how they all interrelate. Warning: Spoilers ahead for January 31, NYT Connections #600! Proceed if you’re interested in hints (followed by the answers) for today’s Connections game.

To effortlessly revisit our daily Connections hints, consider bookmarking this page. Previous hints are also available here, should you want to review any past puzzles.

Below, you will find some subtle hints regarding the Connections answers for today. Further down the page, the themes and final answers will be disclosed. Scroll slowly to extract only the hints you need!

Credit: Connections/NYT

Hints for Themes in Today’s Connections Challenge

Here are some hints that avoid spoilers related to the groupings in today’s puzzle:

• Yellow category – Containers for storing items.

• Green category – Organs associated with smell.

• Blue category – Individuals with refined tastes, perhaps a bit pretentious.

• Purple category – Useful movements for swimming.

WARNING: Spoilers Ahead!

Answers are about to be revealed. Scroll carefully if you wish to avoid a complete spoil. (The entire solution is detailed below.)

A Note on Potentially Confusing Terms

Certain words may remind you of, let’s say, anatomy. However, BREAST, CHEST, and HONKER should not be grouped together as you might assume. CHEST here is more akin to a treasure box.

SNOOT does not correspond to “snooty” but refers to a cute animal feature that’s often identified as “boopable” by younger generations.

TRUNK here does not connect to an elephant’s drinking apparatus.

Interestingly, BREAST would need additional context—it’s part of a term used in swimming.

Categories Present in Today’s Connections

• Yellow: STORAGE CONTAINERS

• Green: SCHNOZZ

• Blue: ONES WITH SOPHISTICATED TASTES

• Purple: STARTS OF SWIMMING STROKES

DOUBLE WARNING: THE SOLUTION IS PRESENT BELOW

Are you ready for the answers to today’s Connections puzzle? Read on for the complete breakdown.

Identifying the Yellow Words

The collection of yellow words is the most straightforward group. The connection for this category revolves around STORAGE CONTAINERS, consisting of: CASE, CHEST, CRATE, TRUNK.

Identifying the Green Words

The green words are relatively easier to guess. This set is categorized under SCHNOZZ, containing: BEAK, HONKER, SNOOT, SNOUT.

Identifying the Blue Words

The blue category presents a moderate challenge. It links to ONES WITH SOPHISTICATED TASTES, featuring: CONNOISSEUR, CRITIC, EXPERT, SNOB.

Identifying the Purple Words

The purple category offers the most difficulty. It pertains to STARTS OF SWIMMING STROKES and includes: BACK, BREAST, BUTTER, FREE.

Winning Strategies for Connections

In playing Connections, the key takeaway is the deliberate complexity of the groupings. Be prepared for overlapping themes. For example, a puzzle once involved six breakfast-related items: BACON, EGG, PANCAKE, OMELET, WAFFLE, and CEREAL. However, BACON surprisingly matched with painter-themed words along with CLOSE, MUNCH, and WHISTLER, while EGG tied in with items associated with the number twelve.

If stuck, consider focusing on words that don’t seem to connect with others. For instance, if WHISTLER evokes thoughts of the artwork known as “Whistler’s Mother,” it may lead you in a useful direction. Researching unfamiliar names can also uncover connections.

Additionally, when facing challenges, reviewing helpful hints can provide clarity—that’s precisely why these insights are shared daily. Be sure to check back for tomorrow’s puzzle!